Dec 31, 2009

On behalf of all Chennai Amateur radio HAM enthusiasts we would like to express our most sincere wishes for a wonderful 2010 . A lucky sign for this New Year is that we can at last see some sunspots that indicate there will be an improvement in the propagation of HF bands . HAMS globally report that in many years there has never been such a lengthy absence of solar activity as in the last two years.

Let us all hope that as 2009 is coming to an end, 2010 will have much better things in store for all Amateur Radio lovers in India in terms of better legislation to ease rules which are choking the hobby , more people get knowledge/awareness to become HAMS, more public awareness campaigns to popularise the hobby etc.

We are trying to compile here some of good/positive things which happened with Amateur Radio/HAMS in the Indian context.

* Several websites/blogs launched in India by HAMS which especially helps in giving info to budding amateurs to access information easily and inturn keen for the survival and growth of the hobby.

* HAMFEST India 2009 held in Bangalore and was a gala event with very good participation.

* Several other events held across India.

As per info provided by VU2GMN , below is the feedback received by ARSI from WPC officially for several requests made by ARSI and issues raised over the past few years and followed up with relentless personal visits to interact with officials on several occasions.

1. WPC not able to do away with security clearance which is the biggest stumbling block to issue of new licenses. They say it is an inter-departmental issue on which they have no control . We will keep fighting to get it removed as it is illogical at this point of time2. On line renewals of licenses is under consideration3. On line examinations is also under consideration4. Allocation of frequency within 50.00 to 50.20 MHz not possible at present as it has been allocated to Fixed, Mobile and Broadcasting services. We will continue trying for at least a couple of spot frequencies5. 10100 to 10150 has been allocated to Amateur Services on a secondary basis6. 7.1 to 7.2 exclusively allocated to amateur services as already informed7. If any group wishes to conduct emergency communication drills, a formal fax request can be done and during that time third party traffic will be permitted which is normally not allowed8. Removal of Morse Code for all classes of licenses- they have not committed as of now but was informed orally that it is under consideration9. Mobile or portable operation will still require permission on case by case basis. Security issues quoted as reason10. Validity of amateur licenses- under consideration for implementing the 10-year and lifetime licenses11. Renewal of licenses by local monitoring stations under consideration

Let's hope & pray as part of the Global HAM Family that 2010 brings much more joy and happiness all Amateur Enthusiasts and their families to keep this unique & wondeful hobby flying to greater heights.